Robots replaced 60,000 factory workers in China

The imminent domination of robots is quickly approaching.

Foxconn, Apple’s main manufacturing partner, dwindles its workforce from 110,000 to 50,000 according to a report by South China Morning Post. It’s said to happen in Kunshan, inside Jiangsu province – the electronics industry manufacturing hub in China.

A total of 4 billion yuan (~$609 million USD) was spent by 35 Taiwanese companies on artificial intelligence research and development last year. According to a survey conducted by the government, 600 more firms are interested to follow suit.

Manufacturers are strongly considering the idea of replacing employees with robots to save money, boost in efficiency, and increase profit. Although it’s more expensive upfront, it will be more affordable down the road when compared to hiring workers.

In a statement sent to BBC, Foxconn Technology Group confirmed that many of the manufacturing tasks associated with its operations are beginning to be automated. “We are applying robotics engineering and other innovative manufacturing technologies to replace repetitive tasks previously done by employees,” adds Foxconn.